Jerry O’Connell Shares His Experience Testifying Against the Yoga Bandit Who Stole His Things
Jerry O’Connell at Variety Comic-Con Studio on July 27, 2024.
Credit:
Katie Jones/Variety via Getty
Jerry O’Connell Testifies Against ‘Yoga Bandit’ Thief
Los Angeles, CA – Actor Jerry O’Connell has recently testified in court regarding the theft of his wallet and phone by a woman dubbed the "yoga bandit." This incident occurred while O’Connell was attending a workout class in Los Angeles.
During his appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, O’Connell revealed that the thief, who was arrested following the incident, had multiple victims at various yoga studios and other locations using similar tactics to steal personal belongings.
“I was subpoenaed,” O’Connell shared during the broadcast, "I had to go testify. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’m a snitch, everybody! I snitched big time!” The 51-year-old actor expressed relief that the culprit had been apprehended.
O’Connell detailed the theft in a previous interview, explaining that the suspect stole his belongings from his sneakers while he participated in a class at Oxygen Yoga and Fitness in Calabasas. Surveillance footage showed the thief entering the studio dressed in yoga attire, claiming she was late for class before making her move.
The thief left with several hundred dollars in cash and O’Connell’s phone, which he joked had little resale value. “I have an Android, so good luck selling that,” he said lightheartedly.
However, O’Connell lamented the loss of irreplaceable items that held significant sentimental value. “I had a photo of Rebecca from high school in my wallet, a four-leaf clover Jack McBrayer had given me, a $2 bill I got while shooting Stand by Me, and my grandfather Charles Witkowski’s obituary,” he reflected.
Law enforcement previously indicated that the same suspect was linked to a series of thefts across multiple yoga studios in Southern California. O’Connell mentioned that the woman had also targeted a local Gymboree, eliciting disbelief over the brazen nature of her actions.
While the final outcome for the thief remains unclear, O’Connell noted that she mouthed "I’m sorry" to him during the trial. “I felt kind of bad. I was like, ‘It’s okay, it’s fine,’” he recalled.
Despite the arrest, O’Connell confirmed he never recovered his stolen items but was able to replace his driver’s license. Fortunately, his financial loss was mitigated thanks to a credit card company that refunded his expenses.
Live with Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication.
